PORTLAND, Ore., IBERDROLA RENEWABLES today released
the wind industry's first company-wide Avian and Bat
Protection Plan. The IBERDROLA RENEWABLES plan is
modeled in part after the 2005 Avian Protection Plan
template developed by some 30 electric utility companies,
numerous electric cooperatives and rural utilities,
and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to
address impacts of transmission and distribution lines
on birds. The IBERDROLA RENEWABLES plan applies those
principles to its wind fleet and addresses bats as
well as birds.

Currently, 836 species of migratory birds are protected
by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). Many birds
and bats are also protected by the Endangered Species
Act and other federal and state wildlife statutes.
The IBERDROLA RENEWABLES plan establishes internal
processes that will help the company responsibly develop
wind energy while addressing wildlife concerns.

"The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service commends IBERDROLA
RENEWABLES for seeking ways to minimize bird and bat
deaths at their wind turbine facilities while pursuing
renewable energy development in an environmentally
responsible way," said Service Director H. Dale Hall.
"Through their avian and bat protection plan, drafted
in consultation with the Service, IBERDROLA RENEWABLES
is the first wind energy company to incorporate a
voluntary set of principles in a formal plan to reduce
wildlife impacts. The plan's principles, similar to
ones originally developed by the electric utility
industry to minimize bird electrocutions and power
line collisions, will reduce risk to birds and liability
under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act."

Service staff from the Migratory Bird Program and
the Office of Law Enforcement also has been working
with the company's U.S. wind permitting director for
nearly a year to develop and refine the plan.

IBERDROLA RENEWABLES' plan contains a corporate policy
about wildlife protection and establishes a process
for contact with agencies and non-governmental organizations
early in the site assessment stage of project evaluation.
It also sets up internal policies for pre- and post-construction
monitoring and proper site design, impact assessment,
permit compliance, nest management, training, mortality
reduction measures and mitigation. It supports IBERDROLA
RENEWABLES' efforts on research and includes sections
on quality control, public awareness, cost and implementation.
The plan is available electronically at www.iberdrolarenewables.us/pdf/Signed_ABPP_10-28-08.pdf.

"Environmental protection is integral to how we conduct
company business," said Terry Hudgens, CEO of IBERDROLA
RENEWABLES. "Implementing this plan will help us reduce
our impacts on birds and bats and help us do a better
job of expanding wind energy as an important source
of electricity in the United States."

"Creating this plan has been a process of examining
all aspects of how we develop and operate our wind
projects," said Andy Linehan, IBERDROLA RENEWABLES'
wind permitting director. "Implementing it will lead
to real and important changes in our processes that
will reduce impacts to wildlife."

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance
fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the
continuing benefit of the American people. We are
both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife
conservation, known for our scientific excellence,
stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated
professionals and commitment to public service. For
more information on our work and the people who make
it happen, visit www.fws.gov.

IBERDROLA RENEWABLES is currently the world's leading
provider of wind power, with 8,500 MW of wind power
in operation globally now. www.iberdrolarenewables.us.